The Federal Government says the establishment of “Chinese Corners” in schools across the Federal Capital Territory will give Nigerian students broader global exposure and new academic opportunities.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 14th Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja, on Tuesday, FCT Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, said the initiative had also benefitted teachers, many of whom have attended training programmes in China.
He noted that Mandarin has recently been added as an international option in Nigeria’s senior secondary school curriculum. “Today we are proud to say it is only the FCT that has Chinese Corners in its schools across the federation,” Hayyo said.
Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, Yang Jianxing, described the centres as both classrooms and cultural bridges. “The Chinese Corner is not only for learning the language, but also a window to observe the world,” he said, adding that many beneficiaries had gone on to win Chinese government scholarships, join Chinese-funded companies in Nigeria, or become teachers of Mandarin themselves.
Dr. Muhammed Sani Ladan, Director and Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, praised the project as “a cultural and educational hub fostering deeper ties between Nigeria and China.”
The principal of GSS Tudun Wada, Irene Mojisola Akerele, said the facility would allow students to learn Mandarin and immerse themselves in Chinese art and literature, while also equipping teachers with specialised training.
CCECC Nigeria Ltd., which has supported the initiative alongside the Chinese Embassy, reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s development. Zane Peng, the firm’s Director of Corporate Culture, said the partnership symbolised the growing friendship between both countries.
With the new facility, the FCT now hosts 14 Chinese Corners, making it the only region in Nigeria with a network of Mandarin and cultural learning centres.
